Saturday, September 18, 2010

Are You Your Master?

What does it say about you if you cannot proudly give yourself credit for your accomplishments? Why do so many of us give all the praise to a God that created us to be 'abundant' in our attempts to be successful? Further, what role did YOU play in your successes? Or, was it all God? If it was just God, what are you? Who are you?

We thank God because we want Him to continue 'blessing' us. It is our selfish act to appease that in us that says that we are unworthy.

What if God told you, 'I had nothing to do with your success. It was all you. You are deservingly worthy.'

The concept of God in many ways was set-up for us to lean completely on God. This effort does not leave any room for man/woman to think of themselves as having the singular power to change their lives.

'Without God you are nothing.'

Really? Is this true?

I certainly understand why the concept is presented this way. It creates blind dependency, not spiritual independency. If man/woman does not depend on God there would not be too much reason to believe in religion's required justification to follow its traditions, practices, and commandments.

Everything we know about God is conveniently made-up. In many ways with good reason. Consequently, most human beings try to live good and righteous lives. If life does not go well we are quick to blame the Devil - and not ourselves. Leaving God, after we are literally forced to believe that the Devil has no power, as the reason for all accomplishments. There is nothing too terribly wrong with that - but it does make me wonder, who is the Master of our Fates?

If it is God, He - not YOU - is responsible for so much success and so many human train wrecks. So, again, who are you? What are you? How can you/me live another day not knowing the answer?

Written by the Preacher you will not hear during America’s most segregated hour; 11:00AM Sunday Morning.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

God’s Will is Selective


So many of God’s saints emphatically claim to know God’s Will. What He expects. What he intends to do. While never understanding or frankly admitting that The Will of God is a mystery. It is unknown. None of us knows what God has in store or what He is planning to do - despite what a pastor says. That’s if you believe that this God of Man is working. Actually doing something. Doing something to prevent strife, calamities, and heartache among the masses.

What confuses me are His selections (if God is at work). Some of the best people – those vehemently devoted to God - die under horrific conditions. But, then you have the most disgusting of human representation live long, healthy, and prosperous lives.

How does one rationalize that?

I have tirelessly answered that question by referencing facts. By analyzing present and past occurrences. My humble and theological justification completely removes God from the complexity of why this or that has occurred. Yes, in order for it to make sense I am of the belief that a rational, not a religion-driven, person has to conclude that God is not picking and choosing. He is not playing chess with man’s life. He, in all due respect, to the Creator is absent; aloof.

If that last sentence is true we have to consider that we may not be under a divine guidance. We have to consider that we are not ‘covered with the blood of Jesus’. If it is not true, one has to consider that God is extremely selective. Even down to skin color and socioeconomic level.

A massive earthquake hits Haiti – and thousands die. A tsunami hits Thailand – and thousands die. And, ironically a massive earthquake hits New Zealand two weeks ago – and not one person dies. Better infrastructure?

I can recount several incidents when people of color have had to face destruction and disease as a result of a natural disaster. I can preface countless situations that negatively affected people of color just because they have less money. With this innocent assessment and fact producing revelation, I must stay with my ongoing thought process:

God appears to have it in for the darker people of the world.

One does not have to agree with me – but I challenge you to take a stroll back through human history. Note the trauma black and brown people from all corners of the world have faced and endured.

And, if God does not “have it in” for those with dark pigmentation he must not be aware that His Will is not positively affecting the darkies.

Respond to my concerns, God. I am waiting on a sign. I am waiting on your Will to prove me wrong.

Written by the Preacher you will not hear during America’s most segregated hour, 11:00AM Sunday Morning.